Limestone Coast crime figures fall

For the Limestone Coast Local service area, recent figures indicate drops in two significant areas - crimes against people and offences against property.

"I'm very pleased and I think the wider community should be as well because it reflects we do live in a safer community," Superintendent Trevor Twilley told Mornings.

"In the proceeding five years, we've reduced crime by 27.2 per cent. We always knew it was going to be a challenge to sustain that reduction, let alone reduce it even further but to reduce it by a further twelve per cent is an outstanding effort."

Superintendent Twilley said there were a number of reasons that had contributed to the drop in figures.

"Firstly, the dedication and commitment of my members going about their business...

"Also...this is the most connected community that I've worked in out of the six local service areas and forming those partnerships with key stakeholders is a contributing factor.

"Legislation, the issuing of barring orders, where somebody commits an offence or acts in a disorderly manner on or adjacent to licensed premises...that's certainly been a very effective piece of legislation."

Superintendent Twilley said alcohol and drugs were significant contributing factors to offences of violence.

"We are seeing a significant reduction and will continue to enforce the legislation because at the end of the day, if it's a safer community, and a safer licensed venue, hopefully it will encourage families to go out and patronise those businesses even more, in a safe environment."

Hear Superintendent Twilley discuss domestic violence, community safety framework, outcomes so far of Operation Distraction and more in the full interview.